In the world of music, people with perfect pitch are viewed as being incredibly talented. What is perfect pitch? Simply defined, perfect pitch is the ability to recognize notes without hearing them first. Such abilities can make singing and music creation much easier, since you don’t have to do as much work with music notation.

However, there are very few that can achieve perfect pitch. In fact, according to Wikipedia, pieces demonstrating perfect or absolute pitch are very rare. So, when an artist displays perfect pitch, people wonder if they were born with an incredible gift, or did they earn it through hard work. And if it’s the latter, why can’t more people attain perfect pitch?

Well, before one assumes that perfect pitch is a gift of talent, they need to consider the demographics of those with the ability. They tend to possess one or more of the following characteristics:

Exposure to music culture at an early age

Frequent visits to musical exhibition stands

East Asian origins

Williams Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorder

A genuine love for music

Let’s break down these variables. The first and the last factors are pretty self-explanatory when it comes to determining their importance in attaining perfect pitch. But the two middle factors seem to indicate that perfect pitch is a birthright– or do they?

Well, the factor involving East Asian connections can be explained in just one word: language. That’s right– believe it or not, many East Asian languages actually encourage perfect pitch due to the tones and sound frequencies within their dialect. These tones are enhanced even more when an artist is singing.

As far as the other factors involving Williams Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder, it is unknown why these diseases produce people with perfect pitch. Perhaps their brain chemistry makes it easier to acquire this ability, since mentally they do not understand the concepts of music in the way that others do.

With that being said, I believe there is a genetic component to achieving perfect pitch. However, I also believe that this component is not essential for perfect pitch; it just makes it easier. Either way, don’t let the dream of perfect pitch keep you from enjoying your music. Most musicians can produce wondrous pieces without this ability, so if you never achieve it that’s fine. Just don’t let the misconceptions behind perfect pitch keep you from trying.

—-
Quick shout out to the people who are now selling caravan insurance over at stoneways. They’ve been doing a solid line in horse insurance for over a decade, but they have just expanded and are asking people who know then to recomend them. I’m recomending them!